Frame update

[Alpine_Ian]

Spent the day assembing the frame on my Elan today. I'm still waiting on my new Lotocones and some AN hardware to arrive, but it's mostly there. I should have it all buttoned up next weekend.

Next step is to finish the engine. My timing chain cover is damaged so I'm going top replace it with one of Dave Bean's replacement units with the replaceable waterpump. Once that is finished I'll be ready to install the engine, trans and diff. Can anyone tell me the correct color for the engine block? Also... can anyone recommend a reliable source to rebuild my Weber carbs? THANKS!

[marcfuller]

Looks great Ian.

The block, head, timing case and sump are all the same color from "factory" It seems to me that most people in the US just use Ford Gray. Wilkins wrote that the "correct" color was a Ford Gray with a "touch of blue added".

As for your Webers, if they don't need to be rebushed you could probably do it yourself. What is the condition of the throttle spindles?

[Alpine_Ian]

As for your Webers, if they don't need to be rebushed you could probably do it yourself. What is the condition of the throttle spindles?

Thanks for the infor on the engine color. I've not "dug in" to the Webers yet. I will know soon though. One thing at a time you know...

[ianf]

Ian

My block was painted in Ferguson Tractor Grey (T21) and looks ok. The chap who painted it insisted it was the original colour but he had a tractor being restored in his shop at the time and probably had a spare tin!

Looking forward to seeing the finished car (probably not quite as much as you).

Ian

[M100]

As Graham Arnold (ex sales director) once said, the correct colour for the blocks was whatever shade of grey the local suppliers had in stock at the time.

[poiuyt]

The best color is one that complements the color of the oil that will be leaking on the block!



Steve B
1969 S4

[Alpine_Ian]

Ok. cool... am I also correct in understanding that the head, and timing chain cover are to be painted as well?

And while we are at it... what is correct on the tranny? I have one painted silver and one painted black.

[marcfuller]

correct in understanding that the head, and timing chain cover are to be painted as well?

Yes, gray.

what is correct on the tranny?

Black is most correct. (Although I would not be surprised to learn that Lotus had sourced a few that were red oxide.)

[Alpine_Ian]

Excellent! Thanks guys!